Are We There Yet?

Maybe it is a little to early to ask, but I thought I'd do so anyway. Like one of my four kids in the back seat of our van on a long trip, we seem to have been driving for hours, but we've just pulled out of the driveway. I have profound sense that we are on mile one of a thousand mile journey. I have some idea of where I THINK we're headed--into the heart and soul of design--but only vague clues about how to actually get there. I don't know that we'll be able to tell when we've arrived, but I'd like to summarize some observations we've made pulling out of the driveway: - There spiritual stirring among professionals in the design community to do more than design cool stuff or help companies pad pockets.

- There is a spiritual stirring among professionals in the design community to do more than design cool stuff or help companies pad pockets.
- Few have come up with more than products, posters, t-shirts or the like to support a cause.
- Designers aren't the only folks searching for meaning beyond profit in their profession.
- Design without passion, heart and soul is slavery. Fear of _____ drives us to passionless and purposeless design.
- Design can touch the heart.
- Our imaginations have been held captive by schooling, institutions and employers.
- Design should not be safe, but it should be Good.
- There is a gulf between passion and profession. Making a living seems to exclude things that are meaningful and fulfilling.

We've go a long way to go…sit tight and enjoy the ride.